Reducing impact of lockdown
Perth and Kinross youth workers are using social media and apps to help reduce the impact of social distancing on young people during the coronavirus lockdown.
Young people who follow the @ pandkyouthwork Twitter account will be able to take part in online games provided by the YMCA, take part in Alyth’s Got Talent, compete for prizes in Blairgowrie, complete treasure hunts in their own home courtesy of KYTHE in Kinross or have their say on the latest movies in Aberfeldy.
Youth workers across Perth and Kinross want to use social media to help reduce isolation and increase the health and wellbeing of young people as well as allowing them to take part in recognised award schemes by completing challenges.
The Coupar Angus Youth Activities Group (CAYAG) is planning a weekly online newsletter for young people in the area which will be delivered through Facebook and Instagram.
It will report on how young people in the area are coping with the outbreak as well as sharing ideas for activities and examples of how readers have helped or been helped by others.
Blairgowrie SCYD is using the video conferencing app Zoom to hold a daily online drop in service and keeping their social media streams up-to-date with activities and free online courses and competitions.
In Highland Perthshire, The Breathe Project is providing virtual access to youth work staff and one-to-one meetings online, as well as other activities such as exercise classes and movie nights.
It is also using its centre in Aberfeldy as a community larder where young people and families in need can access essential supplies.
Perth YMCA is also providing its services, including employability sessions, one-to-ones and health and wellbeing sessions with its dedicated team of youth workers online.
The staff team will also respond in person to essential emergencies for young people in crisis work with partners to deliver food and supplies to the most vulnerable.
Logos in Crieff is using Facebook to stage activities every night and also developing ways of offering Hi5 and Dynamic Youth Awards online.
It is also using social media to encourage young people to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Awards and offering employability support.
KYTHE in Kinross is promoting engagement through online changes, music and song. It also plans to use the web to promote intergenerational communication between young people and silver surfers. Staff are also using Zoom to run a daily drop-in service and are running home scavenger hunts on Instagram
Alyth Youth Partnership is running group video chats with young people. In the coming weeks members are also planning a cooking challenge, photography competition, household treasure hunt, and an online version of Alyth’s Got Talent.
Brian Hutton, services for young people improvement officer with Perth and Kinross Council, said:“The coronavirus lockdown can cause anxiety for many young people and it’s great to see so many organisations that we work with and support finding innovative ways to help people through the lockdown.”